Thinking about Getting a Stun Gun

Firefighter880 · #1

Hey guys and gals,

I wanted to see if I could get some opinions on stun guns. I've been looking into getting one to carry in my backpack for personal protection. This way, instead of possibly having to stab or slash someone with a Spydie in self defense, I can just stun them, causing no permanent damage (so they say). Not that I would ever stop carrying my Spydies...

The model I have been looking at is the Black Cobra 800,000 volt mini stun gun. It can be found at http://www.blackcobrastunguns.com. The only thing I don't like about it is that it only carries a one year warranty. Does anyone have any input on Black Cobra stun guns in general, or about how well they work and hold up? or are there any other models that you would recommend?

Thanks in advance! :D

yablanowitz · #2

Not much help from me, as the only stun gun I have any experience with is the Nova XR5000, if anyone remembers them. I had that thing for more than 10 years, and as long as I kept the Ni Cd 9v battery charged, it worked like a champ. It may still work, and if it does, I hope the burglar who has it falls on it with the switch on.

The thing about stun guns is, trying to nail an attacker with one solidly enough to take him down is harder than it sounds. A single pulse won't do it, especially to an extremity. You need to hit a large muscle group for a second or two to get the job done, and in a situation which would justify its use, a couple of seconds is a LONG time.

The Mastiff · #3

A lot of places are now treating them as weapons. If you're in an area they're ok fine. Just be aware they won't work on everybody, and that's even if you can get close enough to use it whithout getting stabbed or tipped on your back. Recall Rodney King. He was tasered a couple of times and shook it off. Pepper gas, CS, and CN are about the same in effectiveness without having to get to grappling range.

Keeping something in a backpack will just about gaurantee it can't be gotten to in an emergency.

Remember, nothing beats initiative, confidence, and the will to never quit untill you are safe/victorious. You can not always be the biggest, fastest, toughest or whatever. There is no reason you can't be the most stubborn, never quit guy on earth. That attitude has kept more than one person alive to see the next day. Of course avoidance when possible can be good too. It's just not always possible.

One of the best weapons ever IMO. A discrete sap, and the will to use it. A good one weilded with determination can take the biggest thug down with one hit. Take it from someone that used to be issued one for use. In some cases they're better than night sticks, mace, stun guns etc. Just don't crack that egg. Check your local laws as always. Joe.

Fred Sanford · #4

I had a stun gun long ago. Maybe about 10 years ago. I got rid of it after I realized that I could hit myself with it and it made my muscles do funny things but didn't deter me at all.

I could hold it on my leg or arm and just let 'er rip with no problem. I don't know how many volts it was, but it was about $40 and took a 9V battery.

Now I'm sure a TASER gun would take me down right now.

Firefighter880 · #5

Thanks for the opinions, guys. Maybe a stun gun isn't what I need afterall!

vampyrewolf · #6

Voltage rating makes no difference from what I've felt.... The 20kV is no worse than a shock from 110V houshold AC.... 50kV tingled a bit, 100kV I still had full control of my hand with it held on my arm for a while. We had some fun :cool: Most I've played with was 250-300kV, left a couple little marks on my arm from it but that was all it did...

better off making one with a good current rating.... 20mA across the heart is enough to kill someone, 50mA through fingers stings a LOT.... Of course it's not like you couldn't modify an existing one to make it a Nortonized current source... :rolleyes:

trust someone who plays with electronics to ruin your fun eh?

Havatoo · #7

I agree with the previous poster who recommended a sap. I would add as an alternative a blackjack. I have no police or military background but after extensive reading on what the best weapon that could fit into a pocket might be, short of a pistol, many with far more experience than I in such matters recommend these. And, what they say seems to make sense. I carry one, often. It's legal in most areas in my state but you might want to check the laws where you live. A flashlight or Fred Perrin wallet might be a good alternative if saps and blackjacks are illegal in your state.

Dr. Snubnose · #8

I would also select the Sap over the Stun Gun....I have used one in two different SD situations and it worked like a charm...lets just say it had a 'stunning effect' on my attacker...Doc

zenheretic · #9

Stun guns are good for wiping a computers hard drive and frying the circuits...other than that a sap, some good training, staying fit, and maintaining awareness/avoidance is the way to go.

zenheretic · #10

More thoughts on stun guns. I checked out your link. Those designs look typical of what is offered in a "stun gun". A box about the size of a pack of cigs with a crummy switch on the side. No ergos, no method to carry or deploy in a manner required in self defense. Pistols and knives need to be easily deployed, usually strong side carry is prefered. How the heck you going to do that with a square box? The pen thingy might be the best but it is hard to see the "trigger" button very well. Now if they made one with say a Yojimbo shaped handle and maybe a squeeze tripper at the finger choil, along with a kydex belt holster...it almost would be worth carrying.

In their current, uneasy to carry, unease to deploy designs, stun guns are best used by someone committing crimes via stalk and abush rather than as a force multiplier for the defensive minded would-be victim.

Firefighter880 · #11

I'm with ya, Zen. Thanks. :)

Instead of spending the money on a stun gun, I'll be gettin me a Lava. Gotta spend that money on somethin!!! :spyder:

snuffaluff · #12

what about tazers? They are work like a stun gun as well as distance. They are shaped more like a gun and are carried in a holster type device. Just go to youtube.com and search taser/tazer, you'll find tons of police vids proving just how well they work.

Joe Talmadge · #13

Tasers seem to work. I'd classify them differently from the run-of-the-mill stun gun.

Stun guns are junk, loud bark and little bite. You're better off not carrying anything

Ging · #14

[quote="vampyrewolf"]Of course it's not like you couldn't modify an existing one to make it a Nortonized current source... :rolleyes: ]
Sounds fun, again someone who plays with electricity...............

Jimd · #15

Stun guns suck. I've been certified on them for the past sixteen years, and they're pieces of junk that really don't work very well on most folks. I won't go into all the reasons why they're a waste of time, most of them have already been illustrated here. Don't waste your money.

Firefighter880 · #16

I appreciate all the info. I've decided against purchasing a stun gun. (More money for Spyders :) )

Thanks to all!!

Phazzer Dragon · #17

Hi! Thanks for the heads up. I was supposed to ask my husband to buy me one for safety purposes. What would you recommend then for safety back home?

Dr. Snubnose · #18

Phazzer Dragon wrote:Hi! Thanks for the heads up. I was supposed to ask my husband to buy me one for safety purposes. What would you recommend then for safety back home?

Training...Doc :D